In Bangladesh, the day is marked with religious gatherings and prayers across the country. In Chattogram, however, the occasion has taken on a distinctive tradition with the annual “Jashne Julus”, a grand procession organized by the Sunni community for over four decades.

The event was first held in 1974 under the initiative of the Anjuman Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust and has since become a hallmark of the city’s religious life. The rally starts from the Khanqah at Baluardighi Par in Korbaniganj and concludes at the field of Jamea Ahmadia Sunnia Madrasa in Sholoshahar.

Initially led by noted Sufi scholar Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah until 1986, the procession later came under the leadership of his son Syed Muhammad Taher Shah in 1987. It is currently overseen by Pir Saber Shah.

Over the years, Jashne Julus has grown into one of the largest Islamic gatherings in South Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants annually. The tradition, which began in Chattogram, is now also observed in Dhaka and other cities.

For this year’s event, scheduled on Saturday, 6 September, preparations are underway with temporary gates, pandals, and decorative lighting being installed across the city’s main roads and intersections.

Pir Saber Shah, along with his two sons Mehmood Shah and Kashem Shah, will lead the rally, while three guest religious figures from Pakistan are also expected to attend. Organizers anticipate participation by lakhs of devotees, turning the event into a major spiritual congregation.

ctgpost/mhd